One of the most frustrating things about using Windows is when the taskbar doesn't remember the order of your apps. Every time you restart your computer or log out, the taskbar rearranges itself and you have to manually move your apps back into the order you prefer. But fear not! In this article, we will show you how to make your Windows taskbar remember the order of your apps, so you can save time and frustration.
Method 1: Lock the Taskbar
The first method to make your taskbar remember the order of your apps is to lock the taskbar. Here's how:
- Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
- In the context menu, click on "Lock the taskbar" to enable it. If there is a checkmark next to this option, it means the taskbar is already locked.
By locking the taskbar, you prevent accidental changes to its position or app order. This is a simple and effective way to keep your taskbar organized.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party App
If locking the taskbar doesn't solve the problem, you can try using a third-party app called "Taskbar Tweaker." This app allows you to customize various aspects of the taskbar, including the order of your apps. Here's how to use it:
- Download and install Taskbar Tweaker from the official website.
- Launch Taskbar Tweaker by double-clicking on its icon.
- In the Taskbar Tweaker window, go to the "Options" tab.
- Check the box that says "Don't group pinned items."
- Click on the "Apply" button to save the changes.
By disabling the grouping of pinned items, Taskbar Tweaker ensures that your apps stay in the order you prefer, even after restarting your computer or logging out.
Method 3: Use a PowerShell Script
If you're comfortable with using PowerShell, you can create a script that automatically restores the order of your apps on the taskbar. Here's how:
- Open Notepad or any other text editor.
- Copy and paste the following code into the text editor:
$shell = New-Object -ComObject shell.application
$windows = $shell.windows()
$taskbar = $windows | Where-Object {$_.LocationName -eq "Taskbar"}
$apps = @{}
for ($i = 0; $i -lt $taskbar.Count; $i++) {
$apps[$i] = $taskbar.Item($i).Name
}
$apps.GetEnumerator() | Sort-Object Name | ForEach-Object {
$taskbar.Item($_.Key).InvokeVerb("taskbarpin")
}
- Save the file with a ".ps1" extension, for example, "restore_taskbar_order.ps1".
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Run the following command to allow execution of PowerShell scripts:
Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted - Navigate to the location where you saved the script using the
cdcommand. - Execute the script by running its filename, for example:
.\restore_taskbar_order.ps1
After running the script, your taskbar should restore the order of your apps based on their names. You can customize the script further to suit your specific needs.
Having to rearrange your apps on the taskbar every time you restart your computer or log out can be a pain. However, with the methods mentioned in this article, you can make your Windows taskbar remember the order of your apps effortlessly. Whether you choose to lock the taskbar, use a third-party app, or create a PowerShell script, you now have the tools to keep your taskbar organized and save time.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Method 1: Lock the Taskbar | Locking the taskbar prevents accidental changes to its position or app order. |
| Method 2: Use a Third-Party App | Using Taskbar Tweaker allows you to customize the taskbar and disable app grouping. |
| Method 3: Use a PowerShell Script | Creating a PowerShell script automates the process of restoring the app order on the taskbar. |